Three Apple-related search terms were included in Google's Zeitgeist 2011, with Steve Jobs, the iPhone 5 and iPad 2 all ranking as one of the top ten fastest-rising global queries recorded by the internet search giant.

Intel's next-generation Ivy Bridge mobile processors, expected to appear in future MacBook Pro and MacBook Air updates from Apple, will hit the market in May of 2012, a leaked Intel product roadmap reveals.

Apple resellers have launched their Black Friday deals, offering savings of up to $101 on Mac Book Airs, $250 of MacBook Pros, $128 on iMacs, $39 on Mac minis and $260 on Mac Pros [updated with price changes].

Apple has begun rolling out its one-day Black Friday sale in limited countries around the world, with discounts adding up to roughly 10 percent off select iPad, iPod and Mac models [updated with U.S. pricing].

A close look at Apple's supply chain has revealed that the company wields upfront cash payments and a highly-focused logistics ecosystem, largely credited to Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, as "strategic weapons" to secure a significant advantage over its rivals.

Apple is rumored to be planning a complete overhaul for each of its product lineups, including the iPad, iMac, iPhone and MacBook Air, next year, according to sources within the company's supply chain.